Ericsson said its Ericsson Radio System and Ericsson Cloud Core are enabling 5G connectivity in conjunction with Telia Company for the Einride T-pod, a driverless vehicle operating continuously at logistics firm DB Schenker’s depot in Jonkoping. This is the first commercial installation of Einride’s Autonomous Electric Transportation (AET) system.

Robert Falck, CEO and founder of Einride, said the company aims to lead the sustainable transition of road freight transportation. 5G provides the connectivity and reliability Enride needs to introduce the T-pod safely onto public roads, paving the way for a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and the elimination of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Einride’s T-pod and autonomous transport system, powered by 5G, could potentially replace more than 60 percent of current transport with a cost-competitive and sustainable alternative. Ewald Kaiser, chief operating officer at DB Schenker, said autonomous, all-electric lorries on public roads are not a dream any more.